I
have 12 years working experience in five star properties across Egypt, Italy,
Qatar and UAE.

10 years of it was spent working in Abu Dhabi.

Let me show you my Abu Dhabi secrets.

My One Day in Abu Dhabi......

A Stroll on the Corniche

Dinner in Pearls and Caviar

A visit to Heritage Village where you can see a
reconstruction of a traditional oasis village. It gives you a glimpse of the
Emirates’ traditional way of life in the olden days.

From the Heritage Village, I will take you for a
stroll at Corniche Road, an eight-kilometre stretch of waterfront promenade that
includes children’s playgrounds, separate cycling and pedestrian pathways,
cafés and restaurants and a beach park with lifeguards.

After some fun under the sun, I will take you for a
sunset tour at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques.
There you will find the world’s largest hand-knotted Persian carpet made by
around 1,200-1,300 craftsmen. It is also the burial site of former UAE
President Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan.

Then
we will end the night with dinner in Pearls & Caviar at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat
Al Beri, Abu Dhabi where you can enjoy fine Mediterranean seafood cuisine. It
also offers amazing views of the Grand Mosque over the canal.

My favorite area of Abu
Dhabi is……

The
Corniche Road because it has well-manicured gardens and a very relaxing sea
view. It is perfect for a morning jog, a family picnic or a weekend beach fun.

If I were
to choose one hotel to stay in Abu Dhabi it would be.....

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri,
Abu Dhabi because it is a destination within a destination.

It is located at
the Qaryat Al Beri complex that offers you facilities such as CHI, The Spa, award-winning
restaurants, bars and a Souk (Arabic market).

It is also located near the
airport, national exhibition centre, Yas Island, and the city centre which make
it very convenient for both leisure and business travellers.

My favorite restaurant is.......

Sofra
bld at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri where you can find the
best and wide selection of international cuisine.

Sofra bld features a unique
concept of an Arabian market setting with live cooking stations, allowing you
to interact with the talented chefs and meander through the marketplace of
intercontinental specialties.

Learn more about this great resrestaurant here.

Three places or sightseeing
spots you should not miss in Abu Dhabi are….

The one thing I wouldn’t want you to miss
in Abu Dhabi is……

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the largest indoor and
first Ferrari-themed park, located in Yas Island.

My top Abu Dhabi tip is……

If you want to buy pearls and jewelleries at an affordable price, go to Madinat Zayed Gold Souk.

My favorite place to go shopping is

Abu Dhabi Mall because it offers a variety of
international brands, an extensive food court and a family and entertainment
area.

My off the beaten track secret tip is……

Go to the Fish Souk at Mina Zayed near Abu Dhabi’s
main port area for an insight on how the traditional fishing business was done
then.

Also located in the same area is Al Mina Fruits and Vegetables Souk,
where you can find a wide variety of fresh produce.

The place provides perfect photo
opportunities since the place is bursting with life and vibrant colours.

The most overrated Abu Dhabi attraction
is……..

There is none as Abu Dhabi is increasing its
leisure attractions, flourishing into a world-class business and leisure
destination.

The capital is enjoying a surge of development that includes
tourist, business and cultural projects.

Is there a tip you have so I don’t offend
anyone or get into trouble in Abu Dhabi?

It is wise
not to drink alcohol in public as respect to the local culture.

Author Bio

Self-disciplined and highly-motivated, Mohamed’s
career in the hospitality industry began in 1999 as a front desk agent in a five-star
hotel in Egypt and later promoted as a night manager.

He moved on to become an assistant
front office manager of a luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi and in Rome. Prior to
joining Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, Mohamed was a pre-opening
team member of a five-star hotel in Doha as front office manager.